All-grade Holbrook school could open in 2016

Thursday

Apr 3, 2014 at 8:20 AMApr 3, 2014 at 8:21 AM

By Tom Gormantgorman@wickedlocal.com

If all goes according to schedule, the proposed Holbrook pre-kindergarten-to-grade 12 school could be ready for students in the fall of 2016.The proposal cleared a major hurdle March 26 when the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) board voted to move the project into the schematic design phase, where a detailed plan will be drawn up."The schematic design phase involves a more detailed plan of the building," said Superintendent of Schools Patricia Lally. "In their work, the architects solidify the placement of classrooms and work areas before sending the plans to the MSBA board."According to Lally, the plans are to be submitted to the MSBA board by June 12 for review. The board would take a final vote on the plans in July.In the fall, possibly in November, Holbrook Town Meeting would be asked to vote on funding its share of the project. If approved, architects would draw up more detailed plans and then a bid would go out seeking a contractor.Lally said that a groundbreaking for the new school could be held in October 2015 and be ready for occupancy the following fall.Several Holbrook officials attended the MSBA board meeting including Lally, junior/senior high school principal Vincent Hayward, selectmen Chairman Timothy Gordon, and selectman Matthew Moore.In a message published in the junior/senior high school newsletter, Hayward expressed excitement about the MSBA boardís action moving the project forward."This is a very big and exciting next step for the new building project and education in Holbrook," he stated. "This is a really big deal, years in the making."Lally expressed her appreciation to the state for its support of the project."We are very fortunate to have the assistance and support of the Massachusetts School Building Authority," she said. "The MSBA vote to approve the pre-K-to-12 school building option will afford all Holbrook students the educational environment they need and deserve. Holbrook taxpayers will also benefit greatly from the increase in property value that is associated with a town's investment in its schools."The state would pay for more than half of the construction cost that has been previously estimated at about $60 million.According to plans, the new school would be built on the athletic fields in back of the existing junior/senior high school and consists of two separate wings.One wing is for the pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. The other is designated for high school students. Some common areas such as the cafeteria and library would be shared but at times so as not to mingle high school and elementary school students.In pushing for the single pre-K-to-12 school, Holbrook officials have said that it would be the best solution for its antiquated buildings while being cost-effective since all resources, staff, and students would be under one roof.The new school would replace all three public schools in Holbrook - the Kennedy School, South School, and the junior/senior high school.In its application to the MSBA, Holbrook officials had cited numerous deficiencies in the districtís schools.All three schools are more than 50-years-old, and, officials have said, have small classrooms and antiquated mechanical and electrical systems. Additionally, the junior/senior high school has had issues with leaks and mold.